Friends of Oak Forest Park fundraiser to go towards playground for all abilities

Shown here is a group of the Friends of Oak Forest. The group will be holding a Pennies for our Playground fundraiser this Sunday to benefit the future playground for all abilities in Oak Forest. Photo supplied

Have any spare change burning a hole in those pockets? Then Friends of Oak Forest Park has a perfect use for those pesky coins.

This coming Sunday, Feb. 19, Friends of Oak Forest Park will be hosting its Pennies for our Playground launch party at ReCoop Designs, 3508 Oak Forest Dr. Activities such as ReadyFlipGo mobile gymnastics, My House Fitness challenge course, Masterful Mommy animal-themed crafts, Idea Lab Kids stations, salvaged wood decorating, a DJ and more will welcome guests to the park for an afternoon of fun for the cause.

All proceeds from the event benefit the future playground for all abilities, and chairperson Elyssa Horvath emphasized that any donation large or small is more than enough.

“We need the whole community to help support this, because there’s no public funding available for the new playground right now,” she said.

Attendees will also have the option to purchase art tiles honoring a friend, family, business or more helped by Oak Forest Elementary art teacher Mr. Roy. When completed, the tiles will be assembled into the walkway leading to the Playground for All Abilities — to be termed the “Pathway to Play.”

“We’re really just trying reach out to everyone in our community, so that when they come to the new playground they can say they had a part in it,” Horvath said.

To date, Friends of Oak Forest has raised $140,000, and Horvath said the first part of the park revitalization — which includes the tennis court repairs, new wind screens and the re-striping of the basketball court — has already been funded. Once fully funded, the playground will be the first public play space of its kind in the central northwest community. The entry donation is $5 per family in advance or $10 at the door. Entry is free with orders for art tiles and engraved pavers that will be installed along the future “Pathway to Play.” To host a vendor booth or to register in advance by Feb. 18, contact FriendsofOakForestPark@yahoo.com. To donate, readers can visit houstonparksboard.org/projects/oak_forest_park/. Checks or cash may also be dropped off to 1332 Ebony Ln.